During their first ever Buri festival, the residents of San Juan, Ilocos Sur are trying to land a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by weaving the world’s longest buri mat (palm leaf thatch), spanning four kilometers. By Ace Alegre Contributed to Bulatlat.com San Juan, Ilocos Sur (approximately 350 kms. north of Manila)…
Month: December 2006
Aloysius ‘Ochie’ Baes, 1948-2006: Scientist for the People
Dr. Aloysius U. Baes—Ochie, scientist and activist, quietly passed away at the National Kidney Transplant Institute on December 21, 2006. A scientist through and through, he studied chemistry not only that of elements and compounds but also the chemistry of society– the complex interaction of Philippine society, working hard to change the current situation towards…
We Honor and Cherish the Memory of Aloysius ‘Ochie’ Baes, a Scientist for the People
By Prof. Jose Maria Sison Chairperson, International League of Peoples’ Struggle Posted by Bulatlat.com We in the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of our beloved colleague Aloysius “Ochie” Baes, who died of heart failure on December 21, 2006 in the Philippines. We extend our most heartfelt condolences…
Cagayan Peasants Denounce Unabated Killings
In Cagayan province, the celebration of Christmas is farthest from the minds of members of militant groups as death squads relentlessly attack them. BY ABE ALMIROL Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com TUGUEGARAO CITY – A youth leader was killed on December 15 while a 64-year old farmer survived an attack on December 17 in two…
Abra Still `Northern Luzon’s Killing Fields’
The assassination of Rep. Luis Bersamin only shows the unabated killings in Abra province. The police’s claim six months ago that peace and order has improved in the area is clearly negated by the various incidents of political killing these past few months. By ACE ALEGRE Northern Dispatch Posted by Bulatlat.com The killing of Abra…
Resist Political Persecution, Defend the People’s Rights
We fear. We grieve. We rage. But let us rise above this fear, and transform our grief and rage to an undying commitment to the cause of people’s rights. By Edre U. Olalia* Posted by Bulatlat.com Naimbag nga agsapa kadakayo amin! A pleasant good morning to all! Nabara a kablaaw kadakayo amin! Militant greetings to…
U.S. and Latin America: Overview for 2006, Perspectives for 2007
The New Year does not promise ‘more of the same’: it will start with a major US military escalation in the Middle East but it will likely end with a greater military debacle, ensuring deepening political crises and increased economic instability both in the Middle East, the US and Latin America. By James Petras Posted…
After the Con-Ass Debacle, the Elections
Having seen the country’s major political pillars festering under the hands of the elite – the presidential office, Congress and the electoral system in particular – the bourgeois election will serve as an opportunity for broadening the masses’ political consciousness about genuine people’s governance and establishing real democratic institutions. By the Policy Study, Publication and…
Propping up a Bankrupt, Illegitimate Regime (Second of three parts)
U.S. support for the Arroyo regime has been steady even when President Arroyo was deeply enmeshed in a crisis and was almost ousted in 2005. Its political support did not waiver even when President Arroyo declared a state of national emergency in February 2006. The support of the U.S. is one of the biggest factors…
Southeast Asia and the Philippines: The Second Front in the U.S. ‘War on Terror’(First of three parts)
Southeast Asia caught greater attention from the U.S. after the latter launched its “war on terror” in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks. Southeast Asia, most especially the Philippines, provided U.S. Pres. George W. Bush with a venue to project the “global war on terror”. And Philippine Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo…
Christmas Outside Prison Walls
One may see “limited joy” this Christmas in the faces of three men who walked out of prison on December 11, a day after International Human Rights Day. They may be considered “free men” now but for them, the struggle to be free continues as they join a society that they say remains imprisoned by…